5,500 churches in the UK switch to renewable energy

More than 5,500 churches including some of the UK’s most famous cathedrals have converted to renewable power to help tackle climate change.

According to Christian Aid, a major religious charity in London, more than 5,500 churches in the UK are now using 100% renewable energy to power their operations. The Church of England’s places of worship, along with Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Quaker and Salvation Army congregations, have made the switch to 100% renewable electricity.

It is estimated that with the average annual church electricity bill around £1,000, British churches have diverted more than £5m from fossil fuels to clean energy providers.

Nicholas Holtam, the bishop of Salisbury and the Church of England’s lead bishop on the environment, said: “It’s fantastic to see churches doing their bit to ensure they reduce their impact on the environment. They are also giving a boost to clean energy, which is essential to reduce harmful carbon emissions.

“Climate change is an enormous injustice and is hurting the poor first and worst. Switching to responsible sources of electricity may seem like a small thing on its own, but when joined together it can make a real difference.”